Management of chronic viral hepatitis
Vail, B.A.
American Family Physician 55(8): 2749-2756; 2759-2761
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X PMID: 9191459 Document Number: 477265
Chronic viral hepatitis is a leading cause of death worldwide. Four of the six identifiable hepatitis viruses are associated with chronic disease. Until recently, the only accepted treatment has been injected interferon alfa. New antiviral medications currently hold promise in the treatment of hepatitis B. Hepatitis C remains more difficult to treat than hepatitis B, but involving the patient in selecting the treatment and identifying patients with better responses to interferon may help the physician direct the management of such patients more successfully.